India’s first heterologous booster vaccine, Corbevax has been approved by the DCGI (Drug Control General of India).this vaccine can be taken as a booster shot by people who have already taken Covaxin or Covishield. This booster shot can be taken by citizens who are above the age of 18 and should be taken after a period of 6 months from their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. This vaccine was initially created for the age group of 12 – 14, but with effectiveness. It has gained the approval of the DCGI for booster shots where the age category is above 18.
The effectiveness of the vaccine
This vaccine has been created using the proteins and components present in the virus which increases the immunity to that particular virus. Many trials such as multicentre phase 3 placebo-controlled heterogeneous booster clinical trials and experiments were taken on to ensure that it is a safer booster vaccine for people who took different vaccines.
The data shown were promising where it was obtained from the trial that the vaccine was proved to be safe. It was tested on people between the age of 18 to 80, who were already vaccinated from either of the vaccines mentioned above. With no accountable side effects noted during the period of three months, Corbevax thus gained the approval of the DCGI.
The prices of the vaccine are from around 145 to 500. It is one of the most affordable vaccines in India even the ones in private hospitals.
Managing director Mahima Dalta’s statement on the approval of the vaccine
The managing director of the E biological, Mahima Dalta has stated that “we are very happy with this approval, which will address the need for Covid-19 booster vaccine in India.” She also stated that it is another milestone that is being crossed during this corona period, where the approval determines how we are facing Covid-19 and how cautious we are about it.
“We have crossed yet another milestone in our Covid-19 vaccination journey. This approval reflects once again the sustained world-class safety standards and high immunogenicity of Corbevax.” The approval is beneficiary to the people as it is the first heterologous booster vaccine that can be taken by anyone who has been previously vaccinated for six months. This comes as an additional choice for people who are opting for a booster dose.
The recent news about Covid-19 in India
While the cases were being reduced after January, there is a sudden spike in cases around Maharashtra and New Delhi, and other parts of India. With cases again starting to increase rapidly, the new B.A.5 variant ain’t making it easier for people to move on with their life. The government has asked the people to be extra cautious and follow the protocols. The directorate general of civil aviation has announced that masks are mandatory for all travellers. The mask can only be removed under certain circumstances and the people who don’t follow the protocols might be deported from the plane and will be fined.
On 8th June, the cases found in India were noted to be around 5233, with 7 deaths. Recent cases in Maharashtra have been piqued where over 2701 cases have been found in total with over 1765 cases found in just Mumbai. Mumbai is also where actor/host Karan Johar’s birthday party was celebrated, which was called the Covid-19 hotspot as most of the attendees tested positive for Covid-19. With Maharashtra leading the board, they have announced a partial lockdown with heavy curbs, and people were asked to follow them.
The new variant of Covid, B.A5, B.A4 has been found in many places around India. It was first found in Telangana and Tamil Nadu last week. In Tamil Nadu, over 12 people have tested positive for these new variants. With cases increasing, it is needed for the citizens to properly follow the protocols while making sure to take their vaccines in case needed.
Also Checkout: Two norovirus cases confirmed in Kerala: symptoms, causes, transmission, and prevention
